Celebrating World Day of Social Justice

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Text reads: We have celebrated World Day of Social Justice by highlighting the important work of our friends and allies. Thank you for all you do! Images include logos of each organisation featured in this post and descriptions of each are in the picture gallery below.

Today is World Day of Social Justice and we are celebrating by highlighting the important work done by our friends and allies in the social justice space. We acknowledge the work of these fine organisations and are proud to take a moment to shine a light on the awesome work they do! We chose just eight, but acknowledge that there are so many wonderful organisations making a difference as well. They are in alphabetical order below-

Action on Poverty (AOP)

Action on Poverty (AOP) is a secular, independent NGO that has been working since 1968 to tackle the root causes of poverty through community-led development projects. Their mission is to create a more just and equal world by connecting philanthropists, corporates, non-profits, and innovators with local communities in need.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Integrated Development Projects: Addressing food and water security, climate resilience, livelihoods and economic empowerment, governance and social accountability, and health.
  • Voluntasker Program: Providing opportunities for Australians to volunteer locally or offer their skills and expertise for global projects.
  • Partnerships: Collaborating with various organizations to maximize resources and create lasting change.
  • Innovative Programs: Implementing projects such as eliminating dengue with the World Mosquito Program and providing clubfoot treatment in Bangladesh.

The work of Action on Poverty is best captured in the words of their founder, Stan Hosie: “We believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a more just and equal world.”

Learn more about the work of Action on Poverty at actiononpoverty.org

 

Amnesty International Australia

For decades, Amnesty International Australia have been at the forefront of defending and promoting human rights, advocating for the voiceless, and challenging injustices both locally and globally.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Indigenous Rights: Advocating for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Refugee and Asylum Seeker Rights: Campaigning for humane treatment and fair policies for refugees and people seeking asylum.
  • Women’s Rights: Fighting against gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.
  • LGBTQIA+ Rights: Ensuring equality and protection for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Freedom of Expression: Defending the rights of individuals to speak out and protest without fear of persecution.

Their dedication is best captured in the powerful words of Amnesty International’s founder, Peter Benenson: “When human rights are denied, we won’t be silent. We’ll continue to campaign relentlessly and give a voice to those who’ve had theirs taken away.”

Learn more about the work of Amnesty International Australia at www.amnesty.org.au

 

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation)

ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) is a national advocacy organisation dedicated to achieving justice, rights, and respect for Australia’s First Nations peoples. Since 1997, ANTaR has been working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations, and communities to address key social justice issues1.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Truth-Telling: Promoting an honest and respectful path forward through truth-telling processes.
  • Treaty: Advocating for the establishment of treaties to recognize and respect the rights of First Nations peoples.
  • Racism: Combating systemic racism and promoting anti-racism work.
  • Native Title and Land Rights: Supporting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land and heritage.
  • UNDRIP: Promoting the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia.
  • Justice Reinvestment: Addressing over-incarceration and promoting justice reinvestment.
  • Closing the Life Equality Gap: Working towards closing the gap in life outcomes between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

ANTaR’s mission is best captured in their words: “We exist for the millions of Australians wanting justice, rights, and respect for Australia’s First Nations peoples.”

Learn more about the work of ANTaR at antar.org.au

 

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is a community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. Since its establishment in 2001, ASRC has been providing essential services, advocacy, and support to those in need.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Foodbank and Community Kitchen: Providing free groceries and meals to people seeking asylum who have no income and no working rights.
  • Material Aid Support: Offering essential items such as toiletries, clothing, and bedding to those in need.
  • Healthcare: Providing access to medical and mental health services for refugees and people seeking asylum.
  • Human Rights Law Program: Offering legal assistance and advocacy to protect the rights of asylum seekers.
  • Education and Training: Providing educational opportunities and skills training to help individuals rebuild their lives.
  • Employment Pathways: Assisting people seeking asylum in finding employment and gaining work experience.
  • Empowerment Pathways: Supporting individuals to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.

The ASRC’s mission is best captured in the words of their CEO, Kon Karapanagiotidis: “We believe in the power of community and the strength of compassion. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Learn more about the work of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre at asrc.org.au

 

Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is an independent statutory organisation established to protect and promote human rights in Australia. Since its inception, the AHRC has been a vital advocate for equality, justice, and the protection of human rights for all Australians.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice: Working to advance the rights and recognition of Indigenous peoples.
  • Age Discrimination: Addressing issues of age-based discrimination and promoting the rights of older Australians.
  • Children’s Rights: Ensuring the rights and wellbeing of children are protected and promoted.
  • Disability Rights: Advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
  • Race Discrimination: Combating racial discrimination and promoting racial equality.
  • Sex Discrimination: Fighting against gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality.
  • Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Advocating for the rights and humane treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Ensuring equality and protection for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Business and Human Rights: Promoting responsible business practices that respect human rights.
  • Technology and Human Rights: Addressing the impact of technology on human rights.

The AHRC’s mission is best captured in the words of Giridharan Sivaraman, the Commonwealth Race Discrimination Commissioner: “Human rights recognise the inherent value of each person, regardless of background, where we live, what we look like, what we think or what we believe.”

Learn more about the work of AHRC at humanrights.gov.au

 

Big hART

Big hART is Australia’s leading arts and social change organisation. Since its inception in 1992, Big hART has been collaborating with communities experiencing high levels of need to create authentic stories that highlight local injustices. Through their innovative projects, they raise awareness and build public support for positive social change.

Key Projects and Initiatives:

  • Watershed View: A project focused on the Watershed community, highlighting local issues and creating powerful narratives to inspire change.
  • Tjaabi–Flood Country: Addressing the challenges faced by flood-prone communities through art and storytelling, showcasing their resilience.
  • Skate of Mind: Engaging young people through skateboarding, promoting mental health, and fostering community cohesion.
  • New Roebourne Project: Working with the Roebourne community to address social issues and drive positive change through creative arts.
  • NEO-Learning: An educational initiative that uses innovative approaches to support students and promote lifelong learning.

Big hART’s work is best captured in the words of their founder, Scott Rankin: “Art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about changing lives and building stronger communities. At Big hART, we believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and through these stories, we can inspire real and lasting change.”

Learn more about the work of Big hART at www.bighart.org

 

Equality Australia

Equality Australia is a leading organisation dedicated to achieving legal and social equality for LGBTQIA+ people across Australia. Since 2017, they have been working tirelessly to ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals can live with dignity, recognition, and respect.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Legal Advocacy: Using legal expertise to challenge discriminatory laws and practices.
  • Policy Reform: Advocating for policy changes that promote equality and inclusion.
  • Community Engagement: Mobilizing community support and raising awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues.
  • Campaigns: Running campaigns to address specific issues such as ending conversion practices, promoting trans equality, and standing up against hate.

Equality Australia’s mission is best captured in the words of their Executive Director, Anna Brown: “We stand together and we stand proud because no one deserves to be treated as less than for simply being who they are.”

Learn more about the work of Equality Australia at equalityaustralia.org.au

 

People with Disability Australia (PWDA)

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is the national peak disability rights and advocacy organisation, led by and for people with disabilities. Since 1981, PWDA has been advancing and protecting the rights, health, and wellbeing of people with disabilities across Australia.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Advocacy: PWDA advocates for the legal and human rights of people with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard in policy and decision-making processes.
  • Support Services: They provide information, referrals, and support to individuals facing discrimination or other challenges.
  • Community Engagement: PWDA engages with communities to promote inclusion, accessibility, and equality.
  • Campaigns: They run campaigns to address systemic issues affecting people with disabilities, such as economic justice, inclusion, and access to services.

PWDA’s mission is best captured in their own words: “We empower, champion, and celebrate people with disability.”

Learn more about the work of PWDA at pwd.org.au

 

Final Words

Today, on World Day of Social Justice, we also need to highlight our own work. We are proud to be in such great company and we are passionate about what we do!

InterAction for Health and Human Rights

InterAction for Health and Human Rights is a national charity dedicated to promoting the health, human rights, and bodily autonomy of people with innate variations of sex characteristics. Since its formation, InterAction has been a leading voice in advocating for intersex rights and providing essential support services.

Key Areas of Work:

  • Advocacy: Working to eliminate stigma and discrimination against intersex individuals through policy advice and advocacy efforts.
  • Peer Support: Offering peer-led support and community connection through Intersex Peer Support Australia.
  • Education and Training: Providing education and training services to institutions, promoting quality research, and improving services and practices.
  • InterLink Program: Delivering peer-led, depathologised psychosocial services for people with innate variations of sex characteristics, including individual and group counseling.

InterAction’s mission is best captured in the words of their Executive Director, Dr. Morgan Carpenter: “We believe in a society where intersex people are not stigmatised, and where their rights are recognised. Our work is about ensuring that everyone has the right to bodily autonomy and integrity.”

InterAction for Health and Human Rights is thankful for the support and encouragement from our community, our friends and allies, especially today on World Day of Social Justice.

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